Alex: Part 2

Alex had his first heart worm treatment this week. He saw Dr. Martin Tuesday and Wednesday for his back to back shots. In another month, he'll go back for his last shot and month after that, he will be heartworm free and able to resume normal activity. During his treatment he must stay calm and quiet so as not to put any strain on his heart and lungs while the heartworms are passing through those organs and dissolving in his body. This is certainly not a challenge with Alex. I was hoping to have major progress to report on my second post about Alex, but truthfully, I don't. Alex is still glued to his kennel and is not bonding with me or my boyfriend at all. He does whatever is asked of him--leash walking, taking meds, potty breaks outside, etc. But his tail almost never wags. He keeps his head ducked and constantly behaves as if we're about to beat him. It breaks my heart!! We give him yummy treats as often as possible. We pet him and talk to him all the time. I've even leashed him to me to so that he goes where I go, hoping he will see that hanging out with me isn't so bad. My boyfriend has sat with him on the floor a few times and petted and brushed him so gently. Any other dog I've ever know would be in heaven with that kind of attention. Alex endures it but can't wait to be allowed back to his kennel. I'm not sure what else to do to gain his trust. Does he just need time to heal from whatever happened to him in his past? Will he be able to move on and trust again? My plan at this time is continue to shower him with love and attention. Maybe a little bit of internet research on dealing with a shy and fearful dog will shed some light on Alex's situation. Any advice from my readers is much appreciated!!! Alex's story has just begun and I'm looking forward to the happily ever after!!